Research Project - seeking particpants

This is from the Australian Centre for the Study of Sexual Assault

The Australian Centre for the Study of Sexual Assault (ACSSA) is seeking participants for a research project. We would like to speak with adults who have experienced sexual assault(s) in adulthood (i.e. the assault(s) happened when aged 18 or over), and who are able to discuss the assault(s) with an experienced researcher.

The purpose of the research is to draw on the knowledge of people who have been sexually assaulted to expand understandings of how sexual assaults are perpetrated, better inform the community about this, better equip police to respond to this crime, inform therapists who work with sex offenders, and overall stop sexual violence from happening. We are doing this project because we believe people who have experienced sexual assault have important knowledge about how this crime is perpetrated. But they are not often asked to share this knowledge. When they are asked, it is usually in a police interview or in court, where they may not have control over what is discussed, or how it is discussed.

The focus of the interview will be to hear from you about the assault(s) , the perpetrator(s) of the assault(s), and how they did it. We are also keen to hear what you think would have to happen to stop the perpetrator(s) from committing further assaults.

Participation in this research will involve either doing an interview with a researcher from ACSSA, or being part of a group discussion with other participants, facilitated by ACSSA. If you currently have a counsellor, we encourage you to discuss your decision to take part with them. You can also have your counsellor with you for the research interview if you would like. The researchers involved in the project are experienced at talking with people about sexual assault, and you will have control over the interview. (You can stop it at any time.)

We would like to hear from you, if you:

1. are a female aged 18 or over
2. have been the victim of sexual assault that happened as an adult (18+ and how you define 'sexual assault' is up to you)
3. have received counselling or are receiving counselling which involved speaking directly about the assault(s) live in the Northern Territory, Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia or Queensland
If you would like to take part in this project, please contact Haley Clark (03) 9214 7878 or email: haley.clark@aifs.gov.au at the Australian Centre for the Study of Sexual Assault (ACSSA), housed at the Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS) by 29 May 2009.

If you have any questions about the research you can also contact Antonia Quadara, ACSSA co-ordinator, on (03) 9214 7876 or the AIFS Ethics Committee on (03) 9214 7881.

AIFS also has a toll-free 1800 352 275 number which you can call. Please use the shortened 'Giving Voice' to AIFS reception so they can transfer you to Haley, Antonia, or the Ethics Committee.

To read more go here